posted by Julie on Mar 6
Ultralight Sleeping Bags can be one of the most effective ways of minimizing pack weight and being an ultralight backpacker. Although numerous lightweight sleeping bag varieties exist–selecting the perfect ultralight bag which will fit the bill is often a challenging process. Additionally, many have substantial costs. But is it worth it to spend the money? Why don’t we find out.
When researching lightweight sleeping bags, it immediately became obvious that 3 ultralight sleeping bags stand above the others:
- Western Mountaineering AlpinLite 20 F Sleeping Bag
- Golite Adrenaline 20F Sleeping Bag
- Mountain Hardwear Ultralamina 32 Sleeping Bag
Down below you can find reviews of each, the advantages, downsides and suggested conditions. For anyone who is looking to move into ultralight backpacking, these ultralight sleeping bag critiques are your go-to source.
If there were a backpacker’s dictionary, the meaning of top quality would be considered Western Mountaineering sleeping bags. Designed for ultralight backpacking gear, not many lightweight sleeping bags possess as many advantages as the Western Mountaineering AlpinLite 20 F Sleeping Bag, that include:
- Super lightweight – This ultralight sleeping bag weighs only 1 pound, 15 ounces
- Goose Down – Down sleeping bags provide you with the ultimate comfort and with a huge 19 ounces of goose down fill, this Western Mountaineering sleeping bag makes you feel like you are sleeping on a cloud
- Cold Climate Sleeping Bag – The Western Mountaineering AlpinLite sleeping bag was created for 20F conditions, which means it can be used for 3 seasons.
However, there exists a specific drawback: Western Mountaineering sleeping bags are very pricey.
While virtually any lightweight sleeping bag will probably dent your savings account, the Western Mountaineering AlpinLite 20F can cost as much as month’s rent.
However, you absolutely get what you pay for and in terms of ultralight backpacking, this particular ultralight sleeping bag lasts decades and is light like a feather.
Suggested Personality: A seriously deep pocketed backpacker seeking to go ultralight
Find out more about the Western Mountaineering Ultralite 20F Sleeping Bag.
Mountain Hardwear sleeping bags blend frugality with top quality. Although down sleeping bags tend to be the most effective lightweight bags, the Ultralamina 32 is synthetic and ultralight. Because of this it will not become worthless when wet. Huge advantage in the event you backpack through damp conditions.
The Ultralamina 32 Synthetic Sleeping Bag is better than other lightweight sleeping bags in lots of ways:
- Price – At under $200, this Mountain Hardwear ultralight sleeping bag will not break your budget
- Lightweight – Under 2 pounds. And you bet, it is still synthetic
- Enhanced Loft – Forget about feeling any more cold pockets
Every one of these helped the Mountain Hardwear Ultralamina 32 Sleeping Bag to be awarded the 2007 Gear of the Year honor from Outdoor Magazine.
Nevertheless, this lightweight sleeping bag possesses its disadvantages.
Drawbacks include:
- Comfort – Synthetic fill just is not as cozy as down filled sleeping bags
- Compactness – Although this Mountain Hardwear sleeping bag is a lot more compactable compared to its predecessor, synthetic will not pack as tightly as down. Not a way around it.
Suggested Personality: An individual coming into ultralight backpacking that does not have a limitless savings account or an ultralight backpacker that hikes in damp areas.
Find out more about the Mountain Hardwear Ultralamine 32 Synthetic Sleeping Bag
Down sleeping bags manufactured by GoLite, like the GoLite Adrenaline 20F Down Sleeping Bag, blend the best of all worlds.
The GoLite Adrenaline sleeping bag is not really as costly as the Western Mountaneering Ultralite 20F Sleeping Bag, yet is down filled and much more comfy than the Mountain Hardwear lightweight sleeping bags.
Benefits of GoLite Adrenaline Lightweight Bag include:
- Weight – Under 2 pounds. Now that is ultralight.
- Down Fill – 800 Down Fill. Although it is not as comfy as the Western Mountaineering lightweight sleeping bags, 800 down still means serious comfort
- Price – Although not really cheap, you will not be breaking the bank when you buy this sleeping bag.
An additional endorsement: The GoLite Adrenaline 20F Ultralight Sleeping Bag won 2009 Outside Gear of the Year Award AND the 2008 Backpacker Magazine Editors’ Choice Honor.
For those who have the cash and are thinking about an ultralight sleeping bag, absolutely nothing beats the down sleeping bags by GoLite.